Mounting rack for skis or the like

ABSTRACT

The invention contemplates a novel rack construction, as for carrying skis or the like on the roof or other exterior part of a vehicle. Plural pairs of skis are vertically clamped, back-toback, by like pairs of relatively movable upstanding post members, and a single lockable actuator at one end of the rack is operative to set or to release all post pairs in unison. In the form disclosed, each pair of posts comprises a fixed post and a movable post, and the movable posts are all ganged in their connection to the single actuator.

[451 Sept. 17, 1974 United States Patent [191 Penniman et al.

[ MOUNTING RACK FOR SKIS OR THE LIKE 21 1/64 X 294/8726 UX 294/87 R X224/421 F 2,782 973 2/1957 Lang............... 7 960 Inventors: RobertPenmman, Jericho; Richard 5 9x962 Snelling, Shelbume, both of Vt.3:086:688 4/1963 Vikre 73 Assigneez Barreca Products Shelburne 3,606,lll 9/1971 Gjesdahlnunn Vt.-

. Primary Examiner--Robert J. Spar [22] Flled' 1972 AssistantExaminer-Jerold M. Forsberg or FirmSandoe, Hapgood and t n e g n mm 0 "aAC m a D n 0 a c H n. 0. 2A s S U m oh m m. P A l l 2 .l

[57] ABSTRACT The invention contemplates a novel rack construction,

[63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 183,550, Sept. 24,

1971, abandoned.

[52] 224/41-1 211/60 SK, 280/1137 as for carrying skis or the like onthe roof or other ex- 4 3, 0DA6 7/ 8 2 04 7 ZM i 1 W H4 "1 9 M2 2., .,4MM W2 7 mm "m m .m4 Q 9 "S20 "cl/6 m a d2 m 2 IF terior part of avehicle. Plural pairs of skis are vertically clamped, back-to-back, bylike pairs of relatively movable upstanding post members, and a singlelockable actuator at one end of the rack is operative to set or torelease all post pairs in unison. In the form dis- B closed, each pairof posts comprises a fixed post and a movable post, and the movableposts are all ganged in [56] References C'ted their connection to thesingle actuator.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 29 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PAIENIEDSEP 1 71914SHEET 1 BF 3 1 MOUNTING RACK FOR SKIS OR THE LIKE This application is acontinuation-in-part of pending application Ser. No. 183,550, filedSept. 24, 1971, now abanded.

Our invention relates to rack constructions for carrying skis or thelike on the roof or other exterior part of a vehicle.

Several general types of ski racks are in use today, but each is besetwith disadvantages and unnecessary limitations. Generally, thesedisadvantages reduce to uneven clamp action, insecure clamp action, andtoo few skis served by a single lock and key.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvedconstruction, avoiding the disadvantages and limitations of priorconstructions.

Another object is to provide an improved rack of the character indicatedhaving greater and more-efficient ski-carrying capacity.

A further object is to provide an improved ski rack in which allski-clamp regions are actuable in a single operation, and from one sideof the vehicle.

Still another object is to meet the above objects with a construction inwhich ski-clamp action is uniform at all ski-clamp regions.

A still further object is to provide a construction of the characterindicated with inherent ability to operate in the presence of iceaccumulations.

A general object is to meet the foregoing objects with a construction ofbasic simplicity, inherent low cost, and offering maximum securityagainst tampering and thievery.

Other objects and various further features of novelty and invention willbe pointed out or will occur to those skilled in the art from a readingof the following specification, in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. In said drawings, which show, for illustrative purposes only,a preferred form of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automobile rooftop installation oftwo ski racks or carriers of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary, perspective view of the actuating endof the rear-mounted one of the racks of FIG. 1, shown for the openposition, for reception or removal of skis;

FIG. 3 is a simplified fragmentary perspective view of the rack of FIG.2, partly broken away, to reveal internal parts and their cooperation;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken at 44 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view in perspective for certain of the actuatingparts of the rack of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the actuating mechanism, for the closedcondition as seen by cutting the mechanism at 6-6 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken at 77, in the other rack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 2 to show a modified rack constructionof the invention;

FIGS. 9a and 9b are planform views of control elements in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a resilient ice-deflectingmember used in the construction of FIG.

FIGS. 1 1 and 12 are similar fragmentary views in side elevation,showing use of the member of FIG. 10, for the ski-clamping condition andfor the ski-unclamping conditions, respectively;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a reinforcing element for use in amodification of the member of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view of the complete memberembodying the reinforcing element of FIG. 13, the same being centrallycut to reveal the cross-section of the reinforced construction.

Referring to FIG. 1, the invention comprises an elongated frame memberor bar 10, being one of two frame members l010 for any giveninstallation, as to the roof ll of an automobile. The frame members10-10 may be duplicates of each other, but in the preferred fonn, theirsimilarity is in initial appearance only, as will later become moreclear.

Frame members 10 may be straight but are shown slightly arched orcentrally bent, for general conformance with the contour of roof 11.Frames 10-10' stand upon spaced feet or pads 12, which may be of moldedrubber or the like, preferably incorporating suction-cup formations forgreater hold of a given footing. Pinned connection at 13 to frame 10enables a limited degree of contour-conforming pad articulation,depending upon the particular vehicle. Anchoring straps 14 carried byframes 10-10, near their ends, enable lateral stability, as throughconnection to the rain gutter 15 of the sedan model shown. The means forattachment and adjustment of straps 14 with respect to frames 10-10 formno part of the invention and will therefore not be described, beyondidentifying at 16 (FIG. 2) tool-engageable means whereby the anchoringtension may be set for strap 14.

In accordance with the invention, like pairs of adjustably clampedupstanding posts are provided in spaced relation along the length offrame 10, the number of such pairs being the desired maximum number ofpairs of skis to be accommodated. In FIG. 1, the respective pairs ofposts are generally identified A-B F, for a capacity of six pairs ofskis. The left-hand post member 20 (FIG. 2) of each of the pairs Athrough F is one of a first plurality (six) of duplicates, fixedlyspaced with respect to each other and carried by frame 10; similarly,the right-hand post member 21 of each of the pairs A through F is one ofa second plurality (six) of duplicates, fixedly spaced with respect toeach other and carried by frame 10, at locations interlaced with thoseof the first plurality. These pluralities are movable with respect toeach other such that, in a first position, all corresponding pairs ofski-post members 20-21 are in closed, ski-engaging, adjacency (FIG. 1)and that, in a second position, all corresponding pairs of ski-postmembers 2021 are open, i.e., sufficiently spaced for ski removal andinsertion. Movable actuator means, such as a toggle-actuating or controlarm 22 carried at one end of frame 10, reacts between the first andsecond pluralities 20-21, for selectively moving the same from and tothe first and second positions. Preferably, arm 22 is down and alignedwith frame 10 for the first or ski-clamping position; and in the formshown, the posts 20 of the first plurality are fixed to the frame, whilethe posts 21 of the second plurality have a common ganged actuatingconnection to the control arm 22.

Specifically, frame 10 includes elongated guide means, formed in thecourse of extruding the frame material, for example aluminum. The basicextruded section appears in FIGS. 3 and 4 and is generally H- shaped,having spaced inwardly flanged upstanding side members or walls 23-24,connected by a central web 25, and thus defining an upwardly openchannel and a downwardly open channel. The lower channel will beunderstood to accommodate anchor straps 14 and their adjustmentmechanism, symbolized 16. The upper channel, which features upperflanges 26 and a depressed groove or trough 27 (in web 25), is reliedupon for support and guidance of the post systems 20-21.

All posts 20-21 may be duplicates of each other, being preferably metalcastings. Above frame 10, the post structure is a generally C-shaped arm28, rising from a flat base 29 and terminating with a flat platform 30.Post means 31, rigidly fixed to base 29 and platform 30, includes anoutersheath of yieldable protective material, such as rubber or asuitable plastic, for firm but harmless compressed and resilientlyloaded engagement with an inserted ski. Beneath the upper surface offrame 10, an integral tail 32 projects downward, for guidance by andbetween flanges 26 and by and between the sidewalls 33 of the centraldepression 27 (of web 25); integral wings 34 project laterally beneathflanges 26. Snapped-in extruded-plastic liners 35-35 (as ofpolyethylene) are fitted to the respective flanges 26 for smoothlow-friction and rattle-free support of posts 20-21 on the guide means26.

As noted above, all posts (20) of the first plurality are secured inspaced relation, and all posts (21) of the second plurality are alsosecured in similarly spaced relation, the first plurality beingframe-referenced and the second plurality being control-arm actuated. Inthe form shown, a first or anchor strap 37 performs the first of thesefunctions and a second or actuating strap 38 performs the second ofthese functions; straps are preferably of stainless steel and are stiffbut sufficiently flexible to conform to the arch or bend of frame 10.Strap 37 is secured, as by riveting 39, to a concealed part of each ofthe posts 20 of the first plurality; strap 38 is similarly secured, asat 40, to the remaining posts 21. Straps 37-38 are laterally offset onopposite sides of the tail 32, beingaccommodated in the respectivespaces beneath the wings 34 and the web shoulders 41, from which thegroove 27 depends. The fixed reference for strap 37 may be achieved byriveting the ends thereof to the adjacent shoulder 41, as shown at 42for the exposed end in FIG. 2.

Of the various available mechanisms for actuating strap 38 and,therefore, posts 21, a simple toggle is preferred, wherein arm 22 ispivoted to the sidewalls 23-24 on a horizontal pin 43 (FIG. 2). For firmreference, top flanges 26 are locally cut away at the region ofaccommodating arm 22, and arm 22 is a channel having downward sideflanges 44 which fit closely but freely between walls 23-24. Pin 43preferably passes through both walls (23-24) and both flanges (44) insuch manner that in the down position of arm 22, the exposed surface ofarm 22 is flush with the upper surface of frame 10. Arm 22 is shown withan enlarged head or cap 45, of section conforming to the external limitsof the extruded section 10, so that the flush appearance with section iscomplete when in the down" position (FIG. 1). A toggle link 46 is pinnedat 47 to trunion formations in arm 22; at its other end, a pin 48connects link 46 to a slide member 49 (see also FIG. 5). Slide 49 pilotson the elongated depression 27 and is stabilized between the flanks 33thereof. A simple offset bracket may be the means of connecting theactuating strap 38 with slide 49, but in the form shown in FIG. 5 alocal cut-out 50 in the edge of strap 38 locates against the respectiveend edges of the slide trunion 51 by which pinned connection to link 46is established. Assembly may be locally retained by one or more pins 52,headed for permanent retention over straps 37-38 in the region of motionof slide 49 and positioned so as not to interfere with longitudinalmotion of slide 49, it being noted that straps 37-38 are of sufficientwidth to overlap the side-flange regions of slide 49.

The described toggle mechanism need be provided only at the indicatedsingle end of the rack frame 10, since toggle actuation simultaneouslycontrols the open or closed position of all ski-post pairs A through F.The other end of frame 10 may therefore be permanently closed by asuitable cap 53, riveted or otherwise fixed to frame 10 (see FIG. 1).

The other rack frame 10 may be an exact duplicate of frame 10, but asindicated above, such complexity is neither necessary nor desired.Preferably, frame 10 utilizes the same basic extrusion and anchor-strap(14) mechanism as does frame 10, for uniform appearance. However, asseen in FIG. 7, the upper channel of frame 10' (complete with itsplastic liners 35-35') is used for permanent retention of an elongatedmounting strip 55 to which like inverted U-shaped retaining hoops 56 areanchored, at spaced locations A-B F, corresponding to the locations Athrough F already described for frame 10. Preferably, hoops 56 are ofbent steel rod, coated with a vinyl sheath for protection of insertedskis.

In the preferred use of the invention, rack 10' is located forward andrack 10 is to the rear, as shown in FIG. 1. A pair of skis, heldbottom-to-bottom and set on edge, is inseted, tail first, into one ofthe hoops 56, as at station A, to an extent assuring slight compressionof the skis on each other. The rack (10) to rack (10') spacing isselected to sufficiently accommodate the boot-binding region of theskis, so that the main body of the skis (forward of the binding region)may be simply dropped into the space between opened posts 20-21, at thecorresponding location A of frame 10. The tips of the skis then projectsubstantially toward the rear of the vehicle, as shown. When therequisite number of other pairs of skis has been similarly applied tothe hoops 56 and posts 20-21 at remaining stations B-B, C-C, etc. thearm 22 is actuated downward and may be locked, as by a single keyoperated mechanism, suggested at 57 in FIG. 2, and operative toselectively dog the toggle mechanism as by clamping to a projecting endpart 58 of frame 10. In the course of setting the clamps, slide 49 willbe displaced longitudinally outwardly, and may project to a limitedextent within cap 45; the skis are all engaged by posts 31 well beforethe clamps are set. Slight differences in thickness of the differentskis are accommodated by the yieldable texture of sheathing on posts 31,but all post pairs are subjected to the same clamp action, by reason ofthe ganged actuating connection 38. Location of the axes is essentiallya single horizontal plane, close to strap 38 when arm 22 is down,assures retention of the clamped condition, without stress on thelocking means 57-58, as will be understood. Release of all skis isinstantly achieved by unlocking at 57 and merely raising arm 22.

The arrangement of FIG. 8 incorporates certain modifications withrespect to that of FIGS. 1 to 7, but using the same channel-framesection and many of the general principles already described. However,from the point of view of the respective ganged connections of therespective pluralities of fixed post members and movable post members21, there is an important difference. In FIG. 8, two like wide straps60-61 provide the interconnections, being typified by the planform viewsof FIG. 9a and 9b. The first 60 of these straps is connected to allmovable ski-post members 21; the second 61 is connected to the frame 10and to all fixed ski-post members 20', as will be more apparent fromFIGS. 11 and 12. As previously described, all skipost members may beduplicates, it being a feature of those (20-2l') of FIG. 8 that theyeach include an integral downward projection or lug 62 of rectangularsection to accurately locate in one of the smaller rectangular openings63 of the control straps 60-61; at the same time, a series of longerrectangular openings 64, interlaced with the smaller openings 63,accommodate insertion of lugs 62 while permitting a degree oflongitudinal relative movement of the strap and lug involved.

The relation of straps 60-61 for the ski-locked condition of the rack issuggested by the overlap of the two showings, FIGS. 9a and 9b, the twolike straps 60-61 being assembled in end-for-end reversed relation.Thus, the lug 62 for the first (left-most) fixed ski-post member 20passes through the left-most small opening 63 in strap 61 and throughthe left-most larger opening 64 in strap 60, and lugs 62 for remainingfixed ski-post members 20' in the full assembly will be understood tosimilarly engage small openings 63 in strap 61 and larger openings 64 instrap 60. Similarly, the lug 62 for the first (left-most) movableski-post member 21' passes through the left-most larger opening 64 instrap 61 and through the left-most small opening 63 in strap 60, andlugs 62 for remaining movable ski-post members 21 in the full assemblywill be understood to similarly engage small openings in strap 60 andlarger openings in strap 61. For the fixed strap 61, and offset end ispierced at 65 for local securing to frame member 10, and the samepiercings 65' in strap 60 enable a moldedplastic glide fitting 66 (FIG.8) to be riveted thereto, as suggested by rivet alignments 67-67.

Fitting 66 includes a wide rectangular base 68 which is guided withinthe upwardly open channel of frame 10, being retained between thevertical side walls thereof and between the web and upper flangeportions 26 thereof. An upper projection 69, guided between adjacentedges of flanges 26, is slotted to accommodate pinned connection of theactuator link 46, the latter being also connected to actuator arm 22' tocomplete a toggle-actuator mechanism. Arm 22' is preferably an invertedchannel with an internal wall-to-wall spacing which spans the width offrame 10, thus allowing the channel walls 44 to substantially overlapand enclose the top of frame 10, both at a pinned connection '43 to theframe 10 and throughout the end region beyond the first ski-post member20. The cap or head end 45' of arm 22 may also comprise side-plateformations 70 which overlap the end of frame 10, when in ski-lockingposition.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, provision is madefor effectively closing off or sealing the upwardly-open frame channel,in the spaces between adjacent fixed and movable skipost members ofadjacent ski-clamping pairs. Specifically, in FIGS. 8,

and 10 to 12, a single injection-molded elastomeric member 71 servesthis purpose.

As best seen in FIG. 10, member 71 is an inverted channel comprising anupper base region 72 and two outwardly flaring sidewall regions 73. Thelongitudinal ends of the base region 72 are slitted at 74 to defineforked ends for the independent integral accommodation of relativelylarge prismatic locating blocks 75, via short connecting tongues, as at76. To retain a connection to member 71, the lower end of the arm 28 ofeach post structure is laterally slitted at 77 (best seen in FIG. 8).Assembly involves placement of a block 75 behind each arm 28 at one ofthe slits 77, the associated tongue 76 being located in the slit andflaring walls 73 being held downward, in seal-wiping contact with therespective flanges 26, when in the ski-clamping position (FIG. 11); inthis position, the longitudinal dimensions are preferably so chosen thatmember 71 is longitudinally tensed and is slightly upwardly arched inthe space between adjacent ski-post members 21-20. This being the case,actuation of arm 22 in the ski-unclamping direction brings adjacentmembers 2l-20 of adjacent ski-clamping pairs into closer proximity andforces seal member 71 to further arch, as best seen in FIG. 12. In thisprocess, any ice formation over member 71 is quickly broken, dislodged,and ejected away from the open slot between flanges 26. Closure to theskiclamping condition re-tenses and seals member 71 to flanges 26, toresume the FIG. 11 relationship.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a modified seal member 78 wherein a stifflycompliant reinforcement, such as an upwardly arched piece of springsteel 79 is imbedded in the elastomeric molding for member 78. Thelongitudinal ends of the reinforcement 79 are centrally notched at 80,for location by the central web 81 of each ski-post member at slots 77,and the dimensions are preferably so selected that for the ski-clampedcondition of FIG. 11, the member 78 is under slight resilientcompression, into a slight or low-profile upward arch, as suggested bythe profile of member 71 in FIG. 11.

It will be appreciated that we have described an improved ski-rackconstruction meeting all stated objects. Specifically, the followingdesirable ends are achieved:

1. Skis are carried in an attitude (orientation) that is the same aswhen carried or stored by the skier; this enables easier loading andunloading of the skis in the racks of the carrier.

2. With tails pointing forward and held in the described attitude, windand drag resistance are minimized in transit; this attitude alsopresents less area for snow or ice accumulation.

3. There is but a single point (57) for locking all the skis, asdistinguished from most racks of equivalent capacity, which require fourlocking points. The invention thus specifically avoids the situation ofsomebody on the passenger side forgetting to lock his side of the rack.

4. The driver can with significant convenience unlock the whole rackfrom his side of the car.

5. The described clamp mechanism is equally applicable to carriersmounted upon the rear deck lid, as distinguished from roof mounting.

6. The mechanism is sealable against snow and ice accumulation, and isself-purging upon actuation.

While the invention has been described in detail for the preferred formshown, it will be understood that modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the invention. For example, to carry forward theicepurging function of our carrier, the base ends of all skipost members-21, 20'21' may be formed with an integral obliquely sloped plow surface85, rising above the plane of strap connection, and having the effect ofupwardly displacing snow and/or ice accumulations for discharge out theupper frame channel, i.e., between flanges 26.

What is claimed is:

1. A rack for skis or the like, comprising elongated frame means withmeans for mounting the same to a vehicle, a first plurality of likeski-post members carried by said frame means and fixedly spaced withrespect to each other, a second plurality of like ski-post membersfixedly spaced with respect to each other and carried by said framemeans at locations interlaced with those of said first plurality,whereby a ski-post member of one plurality and an adjacent ski-postmember of the other plurality define one of a plurality of spacedskiengageable pairs, one of said pluralities of ski-post members beingmovable with respect to the other of said pluralities in such mannerthat in a first position all corresponding pairs of ski-post members arein closed ski-engaging adjacency and that in a second position allcorresponding pairs of ski-post members are spaced sufficiently for skiremoval or insertion, movable actuator means carried by said frame meansat a location offset from said ski-post members and reacting betweensaid first and second pluralities for selectively moving the same fromand to said first and second positions, and a flexible member connectedto a ski-post member of one plurality and to the next adjacent ski-postmember of the other plurality, said flexible member substantiallycovering the top of said frame means between said adjacent ski-postmembers when said pluralities are in the first or ski-clamped position,said flexible member presenting negligible resistance to actuatormovement upon operation to the second position.

2. A rack according to claim 1, and including locking means for fixedlyretaining said actuator means when said pluralities are in said firstposition.

3. A rack according to claim 1, in which said actuator means is locatedat a single end of said frame means.

4. A rack according to claim 1, in which said flexible member is ofelastomeric material and is slightly upwardly arched when saidpluralities are in said first position, whereby said flexible member isforced to substantially elevate its arch upon actuation to said secondposition.

5. A rack according to claim 1, in which said flexible member is ofinverted channel shape, the free edges of the side walls of the channelengaging transversely spaced regions of the top of said frame means whenin said first position.

6. A rack according to claim 5, in which said flexible member islongitudinally tensed in its connection to said adjacent ski-postmembers when in said first position and is longitudinally compressedinto an elevated centrally arched condition when in said secondposition.

7. A rack according to claim 5, in which said flexible member includesan upwardly arched reinforcement of relatively stiffly compliantmaterial.

8. A rack for skis or the like, comprising an elongated frame memberincluding elongated guide channel, a first plurality of ski-post memberscarried by said frame member at fixedly spaced locations along saidchannel, a second plurality of ski-post members carried by said framemember at locations interlaced with the ski-post members of said firstplurality and slidable along said channel, a ganged connectioncomprising an elongated member slidably contained within said channeland retaining ski-post members of said second plurality inlongitudinally spaced relation for guided movement in unison, suchmovement being between (a) a first position in which adjacent pairs offixed and movable post members are in ski-engaging adjacency and (b) asecond position in which adjacent pairs of fixed and movable postmembers are spaced sufficiently for ski removal or insertion, and asingle actuator carried by said frame member for displacing said secondplurality with respect to said first plurality.

9. A rack according to claim 8, in which said gangedconnection member isa strap connected to all ski-post members of said second plurality.

10. A rack according to claim 9, in which a second elongated strapcontained within said channel retains the ski-post spacing of said firstplurality, said second strap being fixed to said frame.

11. A rack according to claim 8, in which said actuator comprises atoggle clamp reacting between said frame and said ganged-connectionmember.

12. A rack according to claim 11, in which the sense of toggle-clampconnection to said ganged-connection member is such as to tension saidganged-connection member in the clamped setting of said first position.

13. A rack according to claim 8, in which said actuator comprises aslide longitudinally guided within said channel, said slide beingconnected to said gangedconnection member, an arm pivoted to said frameon a first transverse axis, and a link having one end pivoted to saidarm on a second axis and at a location offset from said first axis, theother end of said link being connected to said slide on a third axis,said axes being in substantially a single plane when said arm is pivotedto substantial alignment with said frame and when said pluralities arein said first position.

14. A rack according to claim 13, in which said arm is pivoted betweenthe sidewalls of the channel, being received within the channel whensaid pluralities are in said first position.

15. A rack according to claim 13, in which said axes are substantiallyin the plane of said ganged-connection member when said pluralities arein said first position.

16. A rack according to claim 9, in which said frame member is archedfor general conformance with an automobile roof, said channel beingupwardly open and including a bottom formation positioning said strapfor guided conformance to the arch.

17. A rack according to claim 13, in which keyoperated lock meansincluding coacting members carried by said arm and by said frameselectively retains said arm when said pluralities are in said firstposition.

18. A rack according to claim 17, in which said arm includes an ene capwhich is positioned, in the down position of said arm, to effectivelyclose off the otherwise open end of said channel; said lock members ofsaid arm being carried by said end cap.

19. A ski rack according to claim 8, in which said guide means includesa liner of low-friction plastic material.

20. A rack according to claim 8, in which said frame means includes adownwardly open channel, car-body anchor means referenced to said framemeans within said last-mentioned channel and including adjustable meansaccessible via an open longitudinal end of said last-mentioned channel,said actuator including means pivoted to said frame near saidlongitudinal end and including a lockable end cap which in lockableposition closes the said ene of both channels and which is movable, whenunlocked, to a position which at least clears the end of the downwardlyopen channel.

21. A rack according to claim 8, in which said ganged connectioncomprises an elongated horizontal strap slidably contained within saidchannel, each ski-post member of said second plurality being connectedto said strap on a central longitudinal alignment thereof.

22. A rack according to claim 21, in which a second strap overlappingsaid first strap connects the ski-post members of said second plurality,said second strap being fixed to said frame member, and each of saidstraps being slotted to permit ski-post member control via movement ofsaid first strap with respect to said second strap.

23. A rack for skis or the like, comprising an elongated frame memberincluding elongated guide means, a first plurality of ski-post memberscarried by said frame member at fixedly spaced locations along saidguide means, a second plurality of ski-post members carried by saidframe member at locations interlaced with the ski-post members of saidfirst plurality and slidable along said guide means, a ganged connectionretaining ski-post members of said second plurality in longitudinallyspaced relation for guided movement in unison, such movement beingbetween (a) a first position in which adjacent pairs of fixed andmovable post members are in ski-engaging adjacency and (b) a secondposition in which adjacent pairs of fixed and movable post members arespaced sufficiently for ski removal or insertion, and a single actuatorcarried by said frame member and connected to one of the ski-postmembers of said second plurality for displacing in unison the ski-postmembers of said second plurality with respect to those of said firstplurality.

24. A rack according to claim 23, in which adjacent sides of said pairsof post members carry cushion means for resilient ski contact.

25. A rack according to claim 23, in which said frame member includes achannel with said guide means at the mouth of the channel.

26. A rack for skis or the like, comprising elongated frame means withmeans for mounting the same to a vehicle, a first plurality of likeski-post members carried by said frame means and fixedly spaced withrespect to each other, a second plurality of like ski-post membersfixedly spaced with respect to each other and carried by said framemeans at locations interlaced with those of said first plurality,whereby a ski-post member of one plurality and an adjacent ski-postmember of the other plurality define one of a plurality of spacedskiengageable pairs, one of said pluralities of ski-post members beingmovable with respect to the other of said pluralities in such mannerthat in a first position all corresponding pairs of ski-post members arein closed ski-engaging adjacency and that in a second position allcorresponding pairs of ski-post members are spaced sufficiently for skiremoval or insertion, said frame means including an upwardly openchannel in which said ski-post members are positioned and guided,overlapping flat control strap means interconnecting the ski-postmembers of the respective pluralities and determining said spacedrelationships, each ski-post member having an obliquely inclined plowformation rising from the elevation of strap adjacency and sloped toupwardly force snow or ice accumulations upon operation of said actuatormeans, and movable actuator means carried by said frame means at alocation offset from said ski-post members and reacting between saidfirst and second pluralities for selectively moving the same from and tosaid first and second positions.

27. A rack for skis or the like, comprising elongated frame means withmeans for mounting the same to a vehicle, a first plurality of likeski-post members carried by said frame means and fixedly spaced withrespect to each other, a second plurality of like ski-post membersfixedly spaced with respect to each other and carried by said framemeans at locations interlaced with those of said first plurality,whereby a ski-post member of one plurality and an adjacent ski-postmember of the other plurality define one of a plurality of spacedskiengageable pairs, one of said pluralities of ski-post members beingmovable with respect to the other of said pluralities in such mannerthat in a first position all corresponding pairs of ski-post members arein closed ski-engaging adjacency and that in a second position allcorresponding pairs of ski-post members are spaced sufficiently for skiremoval or insertion, said frame means including an upwardly openchannel in which said ski-post members are positioned and guided, andmovable actuator means carried by said frame means at a location offsetfrom said ski-post members and reacting between said first and secondpluralities for selectively moving the same from and to said first andsecond positions, said actuator means including a single channel havingan internal wall-to-wall span at least equal to the width of saidupwardly open channel, said actuator channel being downwardly open andcovering one end region of said upwardly open channel when saidpluralities are in said first position.

28. A rack according to claim 27, in which said actuator channel ispivotally connected at one end to said upwardly open channel.

29. A rack according to claim 27, in which a separate flexible member ofinverted-channel shape interconnects adjacent ski-post members of therespective pluralities and has edge-sealing contact with the side wallsof the upwardly open channel, for the first-position relation of saidski-post members.

1. A rack for skis or the like, comprising elongated frame means withmeans for mounting the same to a vehicle, a first plurality of likeski-post members carried by said frame means and fixedly spaced withrespect to each other, a second plurality of like ski-post membersfixedly spaced with respect to each other and carried by said framemeans at locations interlaced with those of said first plurality,whereby a ski-post member of one plurality and an adjacent ski-postmember of the other plurality define one of a plurality of spacedski-engageable pairs, one of said pluralities of ski-post members beingmovable with respect to the other of said pluralities in such mannerthat in a first position all corresponding pairs of ski-post members arein closed skiengaging adjacency and that in a second position allcorresponding pairs of ski-post members are spaced sufficiently for skiremoval or insertion, movable actuator means carried by said frame meansat a location offset from said ski-post members and reacting betweensaid first and second pluralities for selectively moving the same fromand to said first and second positions, and a flexible member connectedto a ski-post member of one plurality and to the next adjacent ski-postmember of the other pluralIty, said flexible member substantiallycovering the top of said frame means between said adjacent ski-postmembers when said pluralities are in the first or ski-clamped position,said flexible member presenting negligible resistance to actuatormovement upon operation to the second position.
 2. A rack according toclaim 1, and including locking means for fixedly retaining said actuatormeans when said pluralities are in said first position.
 3. A rackaccording to claim 1, in which said actuator means is located at asingle end of said frame means.
 4. A rack according to claim 1, in whichsaid flexible member is of elastomeric material and is slightly upwardlyarched when said pluralities are in said first position, whereby saidflexible member is forced to substantially elevate its arch uponactuation to said second position.
 5. A rack according to claim 1, inwhich said flexible member is of inverted channel shape, the free edgesof the side walls of the channel engaging transversely spaced regions ofthe top of said frame means when in said first position.
 6. A rackaccording to claim 5, in which said flexible member is longitudinallytensed in its connection to said adjacent ski-post members when in saidfirst position and is longitudinally compressed into an elevatedcentrally arched condition when in said second position.
 7. A rackaccording to claim 5, in which said flexible member includes an upwardlyarched reinforcement of relatively stiffly compliant material.
 8. A rackfor skis or the like, comprising an elongated frame member includingelongated guide channel, a first plurality of ski-post members carriedby said frame member at fixedly spaced locations along said channel, asecond plurality of ski-post members carried by said frame member atlocations interlaced with the ski-post members of said first pluralityand slidable along said channel, a ganged connection comprising anelongated member slidably contained within said channel and retainingski-post members of said second plurality in longitudinally spacedrelation for guided movement in unison, such movement being between (a)a first position in which adjacent pairs of fixed and movable postmembers are in ski-engaging adjacency and (b) a second position in whichadjacent pairs of fixed and movable post members are spaced sufficientlyfor ski removal or insertion, and a single actuator carried by saidframe member for displacing said second plurality with respect to saidfirst plurality.
 9. A rack according to claim 8, in which saidganged-connection member is a strap connected to all ski-post members ofsaid second plurality.
 10. A rack according to claim 9, in which asecond elongated strap contained within said channel retains theski-post spacing of said first plurality, said second strap being fixedto said frame.
 11. A rack according to claim 8, in which said actuatorcomprises a toggle clamp reacting between said frame and saidganged-connection member.
 12. A rack according to claim 11, in which thesense of toggle-clamp connection to said ganged-connection member issuch as to tension said ganged-connection member in the clamped settingof said first position.
 13. A rack according to claim 8, in which saidactuator comprises a slide longitudinally guided within said channel,said slide being connected to said ganged-connection member, an armpivoted to said frame on a first transverse axis, and a link having oneend pivoted to said arm on a second axis and at a location offset fromsaid first axis, the other end of said link being connected to saidslide on a third axis, said axes being in substantially a single planewhen said arm is pivoted to substantial alignment with said frame andwhen said pluralities are in said first position.
 14. A rack accordingto claim 13, in which said arm is pivoted between the sidewalls of thechannel, being received within the channel when said pluralities are insaid first position.
 15. A rack according to cLaim 13, in which saidaxes are substantially in the plane of said ganged-connection memberwhen said pluralities are in said first position.
 16. A rack accordingto claim 9, in which said frame member is arched for general conformancewith an automobile roof, said channel being upwardly open and includinga bottom formation positioning said strap for guided conformance to thearch.
 17. A rack according to claim 13, in which key-operated lock meansincluding coacting members carried by said arm and by said frameselectively retains said arm when said pluralities are in said firstposition.
 18. A rack according to claim 17, in which said arm includesan ene cap which is positioned, in the down position of said arm, toeffectively close off the otherwise open end of said channel; said lockmembers of said arm being carried by said end cap.
 19. A ski rackaccording to claim 8, in which said guide means includes a liner oflow-friction plastic material.
 20. A rack according to claim 8, in whichsaid frame means includes a downwardly open channel, car-body anchormeans referenced to said frame means within said last-mentioned channeland including adjustable means accessible via an open longitudinal endof said last-mentioned channel, said actuator including means pivoted tosaid frame near said longitudinal end and including a lockable end capwhich in lockable position closes the said ene of both channels andwhich is movable, when unlocked, to a position which at least clears theend of the downwardly open channel.
 21. A rack according to claim 8, inwhich said ganged connection comprises an elongated horizontal strapslidably contained within said channel, each ski-post member of saidsecond plurality being connected to said strap on a central longitudinalalignment thereof.
 22. A rack according to claim 21, in which a secondstrap overlapping said first strap connects the ski-post members of saidsecond plurality, said second strap being fixed to said frame member,and each of said straps being slotted to permit ski-post member controlvia movement of said first strap with respect to said second strap. 23.A rack for skis or the like, comprising an elongated frame memberincluding elongated guide means, a first plurality of ski-post memberscarried by said frame member at fixedly spaced locations along saidguide means, a second plurality of ski-post members carried by saidframe member at locations interlaced with the ski-post members of saidfirst plurality and slidable along said guide means, a ganged connectionretaining ski-post members of said second plurality in longitudinallyspaced relation for guided movement in unison, such movement beingbetween (a) a first position in which adjacent pairs of fixed andmovable post members are in ski-engaging adjacency and (b) a secondposition in which adjacent pairs of fixed and movable post members arespaced sufficiently for ski removal or insertion, and a single actuatorcarried by said frame member and connected to one of the ski-postmembers of said second plurality for displacing in unison the ski-postmembers of said second plurality with respect to those of said firstplurality.
 24. A rack according to claim 23, in which adjacent sides ofsaid pairs of post members carry cushion means for resilient skicontact.
 25. A rack according to claim 23, in which said frame memberincludes a channel with said guide means at the mouth of the channel.26. A rack for skis or the like, comprising elongated frame means withmeans for mounting the same to a vehicle, a first plurality of likeski-post members carried by said frame means and fixedly spaced withrespect to each other, a second plurality of like ski-post membersfixedly spaced with respect to each other and carried by said framemeans at locations interlaced with those of said first plurality,whereby a ski-post member of one plurality and an adjacent ski-postmember of the other plurality define one of a plurality of spacedski-engageable Pairs, one of said pluralities of ski-post members beingmovable with respect to the other of said pluralities in such mannerthat in a first position all corresponding pairs of ski-post members arein closed ski-engaging adjacency and that in a second position allcorresponding pairs of ski-post members are spaced sufficiently for skiremoval or insertion, said frame means including an upwardly openchannel in which said ski-post members are positioned and guided,overlapping flat control strap means interconnecting the ski-postmembers of the respective pluralities and determining said spacedrelationships, each ski-post member having an obliquely inclined plowformation rising from the elevation of strap adjacency and sloped toupwardly force snow or ice accumulations upon operation of said actuatormeans, and movable actuator means carried by said frame means at alocation offset from said ski-post members and reacting between saidfirst and second pluralities for selectively moving the same from and tosaid first and second positions.
 27. A rack for skis or the like,comprising elongated frame means with means for mounting the same to avehicle, a first plurality of like ski-post members carried by saidframe means and fixedly spaced with respect to each other, a secondplurality of like ski-post members fixedly spaced with respect to eachother and carried by said frame means at locations interlaced with thoseof said first plurality, whereby a ski-post member of one plurality andan adjacent ski-post member of the other plurality define one of aplurality of spaced ski-engageable pairs, one of said pluralities ofski-post members being movable with respect to the other of saidpluralities in such manner that in a first position all correspondingpairs of ski-post members are in closed ski-engaging adjacency and thatin a second position all corresponding pairs of ski-post members arespaced sufficiently for ski removal or insertion, said frame meansincluding an upwardly open channel in which said ski-post members arepositioned and guided, and movable actuator means carried by said framemeans at a location offset from said ski-post members and reactingbetween said first and second pluralities for selectively moving thesame from and to said first and second positions, said actuator meansincluding a single channel having an internal wall-to-wall span at leastequal to the width of said upwardly open channel, said actuator channelbeing downwardly open and covering one end region of said upwardly openchannel when said pluralities are in said first position.
 28. A rackaccording to claim 27, in which said actuator channel is pivotallyconnected at one end to said upwardly open channel.
 29. A rack accordingto claim 27, in which a separate flexible member of inverted-channelshape interconnects adjacent ski-post members of the respectivepluralities and has edge-sealing contact with the side walls of theupwardly open channel, for the first-position relation of said ski-postmembers.